Lesson for 6/26

Greetings, the Sunday school lesson for tomorrow comes from Romans 1:18-23, 28-32. Its titled "Ignoring God's plain truth" For a deeper understanding I encourage you to read the entire chapter 1 or even the whole book of Romans! To provide some background, here we find in the events leading up to verse 18; Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ is enthused and anticipating his visit to Rome. He had been hearing reports of the faith the people of Rome were exerting. Verse 11 says “I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith." That's a powerful scripture in itself! Iron sharpens Iron, even today we can see through fellowship together how we can share, empower and be encouraged by each other’s testimony and belief! "For in the Gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed." Beginning in verse 18, Paul begins to explain to them the wickedness and ungodliness of people. Very similar to what our previous lessons this month have been bringing out, Paul continues to express how this sinful behavior is inexcusable, as God has made it plain to them and us today!  Verse 20 “For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (21) For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened." Pause, The evidence is all around! Just take a moment or two to stop and genuinely look back over your life. Even deeper, look at our ancestors; take another moment to think about the sky and creation in itself! We can’t help but reflect on the grace and love of our God. Most people of that time had no regard for this. As you read on, Paul continues to explain this type of unacceptable behavior. Again, he is speaking to these believers, people of faith, us today - that that the people of this world have (29) "become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, (30) slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; (31) they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy." We actually see a lot of this in the world we live in today. The lesson concludes with verse 32 "Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." The sad truth about this last verse is, most people know of God and that the wages of sin is death, but continue to live how they want; unpleasing in God’s sight.  Simply ignoring the truth that has been made plain to each and every human being each and every day. 

May we continue to pray for those who do not know and those who do know and chose to ignore God’s truths. May we remain encouraged and steadfast as we strive to live a life that pleases our Heavenly Father!

Thanks for reading, leave a comment or ask a question!

God bless you all!

Lesson for 6/19

Hey all, the Sunday school lesson for tomorrow comes from Zephaniah 3:9-14. Its titled, "Assurances and Joy for the Faithful" If you recall from previous lessons, we discussed the Lord's day, which expresses the day God will bring Judgment on this world. We read throughout Zephaniah 1 how God will wipe away the uncleanness, the idol worship, and those who did not actively seek and Trust Him. Today we find encouragement as written in chapter 3! Before we begin, let us meditate on the title. "Assurances and Joy for the Faithful" At times of trial or discomfort, we today may sometimes struggle to remain faithful. I honestly believe, we again as Christians ultimately want to fully rely on God, and trust His Will for our lives; but in the midst of the storm, it may be somewhat difficult for us to achieve this. At times, for example a newly proclaimed Christian has just accepted Christ, on fire and willing to do what it takes to please God; A tragic event occurs and he sits back and wonders why this is happening to him, and his non-believer peers are advancing, or having "easy" times. Here in this lesson, we will see how God reassures us for remaining Faithful and trusting Him in the midst of everything. Verse 9; again God is speaking through Zephaniah "I will purify the speech of all people, so that everyone can worship the Lord together." Pause, what encouragement for this newly proclaimed Christian in the above example! God is going purify, clean, do away with; judge, the uncleanness so that those who are faithful to Him, which would be everyone at that time, can worship the Lord together. It goes on to say that we will no longer be ashamed for all of our doings, in which we have transgressed or rebelled against Him. If you're any like me, or even most of Jesus' disciples, you may have experienced being ashamed of the sin you've committed. Some of us beat ourselves up and simply feel unworthy of the unmerited Love God has for us; As we mature in faith, we grow to the knowledge of God's unconditional love! Verse 11 simply brings out that this feeling of being supremely ashamed will no longer be! The Bible continues on; God will take those that rejoice in their pride and boast, and leave those who are humble. (purifying the speech!) Verse 13 says the Remnant!! of Israel, to translate for us today; those of us remaining! "Will do no wrong, it says "they will  never tell lies or deceive one another. They will eat and sleep in safety, and no one will make them afraid." What encouragement and peace of mind! Verse 14 tells us to be Glad and rejoice with all of our heart! Not some, but all! We know the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord our God with ALL of our Heart, Soul, and Mind" - Matthew 22:36-38. Here in this verse 14 of Zephaniah we are to do the same, with Rejoicing in the Day of the Lord!

Keep faith all, and rest assured that your faithfulness and due-diligence does not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father! Joy comes in the morning!

I encourage you'll to read the entire book of Zephaniah for your own understanding and revelation from God! Share your comments, thoughts or questions below!

Thanks for reading and God bless!

Lesson for 6/5

Hey all, the Sunday school lesson for tomorrow comes from Zephaniah 1:4-6, 14-16, and Zephaniah 2:3. Its titled "The Day of the Lord" This old testament book focuses on the prophesy of God's coming judgement on Judah and Jerusalem, which in turn represents the entire inhabited Earth. Before beginning, I encourage you to read the entire book of Zephaniah, you will certainly find encouragement in chapter 3! In tomorrow's lesson, verse 4 begins with God saying "I will crush Judah and Jerusalem with my fist and destroy every last trace of their Baal worship. I will put an end to all the idolatrous priests, so that even the memory of them will disappear." To provide some background, the people of this time were committing idolatry; which means, idolizing, or putting other things before God. Its often also called, "Baal worship" whom was considered an ancient "god" in history. We later learn from Jesus that the first greatest commandment is for us to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind. With that in mind, we can see how committing idolatry is a very serious offense to our Heavenly Father. Verse 6, God says "And I will destroy those who used to worship me but no longer do. They no longer ask the Lord's guidance or seek my blessings." Very powerful. Today we often see people steer away from their faith, or no longer call on the Lord to seek guidance, wisdom, or even blessings. For what ever reason, they have given up on God and chosen their own way of living; idolizing their own abilities and material possessions.  Here we find Zephaniah prophesying this for the people then and even for us now. As the you read on, you will see how the Bible describes the events and wrath that God will have on those that renounce and simply don't believe in Him. Zephaniah 2:3 provides hope and reminds us "Seek the Lord, all who are humble, and follow His commands. Seek to do what is right and to live humbly. Perhaps even yet the Lord will protect you - protect you from His anger on that day of destruction."
To God be the Glory. Remember, as Christians, the moment we genuinely accepted Christ as our Savior we have been and are always shielded under the grace and blood of Jesus. It is vital that we keep this scripture set in mind, as we continue on our journey and help bring others to know God!

Thanks for Reading and God bless!